Unabridged. 3 CDs. Read by the author, Lemony Snicket.

 

"A Series of Unfortunate Events" contains a total of 13 stories presented in a a tongue in cheek way and is intended for older children (middle school, about 10 years old) and a wry sense of humor. Here is the description from the back of the audiobook of the No 5, "The Austere Academy."

 

"Dear Listener,

 

If you are looking for a story about cheerful youngsters spending a jolly time at boarding school, look elsewhere. Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelair are intelligent and resourceful children, and you might expect that they would do very well at school.

 

Don't.

 

For the Baudelaires, school turns out to be another miserable episode in their unlucky lives. Truth be told, within the chapters that make up this dreadful story, the children will face snapping crabs, strict punishments, dripping fungus, comprehensive exams, violin recitals, S.O.R.E., and the metric system.

 

It is my solemn duty to stay up all night reading my history of these three hapless youngsters into a microphone, but you may be more comfortable getting a good night's sleep. In that case, you should probably listen to something else.

 

With all due respect,

 

Lemony Snicket"